Palazzo Montecitorio, at Piazza di Monte Citorio in central Rome, is the seat of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Italy’s Parliament. Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the palace for Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi; Carlo Fontana completed and modified the plan. The Baroque façade is a striking feature from the square, while Ernesto Basile’s early 20th-century redesign added Art Nouveau details inside. Pause in Piazza Montecitorio to see the Egyptian obelisk and the palace exterior. Check the official visitor information before planning a guided visit.
Bernini’s design and Fontana’s completion
Palazzo Montecitorio was commissioned for Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi, the nephew of Pope Gregory XV. Gian Lorenzo Bernini drew up the original design, but work stopped before the palace was finished. Carlo Fontana later took over, completing the building and changing parts of Bernini’s plan. A bell gable above the main entrance is among the additions associated with Fontana.
The result is a Baroque palace with a curved, distinctive façade. Its position and scale give it a strong presence on Piazza di Monte Citorio, though it sits on a quieter square than the busy streets around many major Rome landmarks. Take time to look at the exterior from the piazza, where the building’s shape is easier to appreciate.
From palace to Chamber of Deputies
After Italy’s unification, Palazzo Montecitorio became the seat of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Parliament. Its role in national politics continued through debates on constitutional matters and votes that shaped the Republic. The palace remains a working parliamentary building, so access and security arrangements can affect what visitors are able to see.
In the early 20th century, architect Ernesto Basile redesigned the interior for its parliamentary function. Art Nouveau elements are visible in the debating chamber and the Transatlantico, an interior space associated with the palace. Guided visits are a way to learn about these rooms and the building’s history; check the official visitor information before setting out, since the palace is not simply an open museum.
The piazza and its obelisk
Piazza Montecitorio gives visitors a place to view the palace from outside and take a short pause between nearby sights. The square is also used for public demonstrations and gatherings connected with political life.
Its Egyptian obelisk dates to 589 BC and was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC. The palace and the obelisk bring together different layers of the city’s history in one small square. The nearby Piazza del Parlamento and historic buildings, including Palazzo Chigi, make a short walk around the area a useful addition to a visit.
Häufige Fragen
What is Palazzo Montecitorio used for?
It is the seat of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Italy’s Parliament.
Who designed Palazzo Montecitorio?
Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the original plan for Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi. Carlo Fontana later completed the palace and modified the design.
Can you visit the inside of Palazzo Montecitorio?
Guided visits are suggested for seeing the palace’s history and interiors. Check the official visitor website for current information before planning a visit.
What is the obelisk in Piazza Montecitorio?
It is an Egyptian obelisk dating to 589 BC, brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC.
